America's Next Top Model Transgender Contestant: "This Is Who I Am"

Online Videos by Veoh.com Isis King , the first transgender contestant on America's Next Top Model , was living in a homeless shelter when she learned about a photo shoot during last season of the CW reality show. "I did the shoot, gave it my all, and the rest is history," the 22-year-old tells Us in an exclusive interview (Watch above). "They liked me," she adds. "I really tried to shine because I told myself, you never know what can come from this opportunity." King explains: "I pulled Mr. Jay [Manuel, the art director] to the side and said, 'If I wanted to come back and try out for the show, have you ever had a girl who was born in the wrong body?' And he said, 'I guess they haven't put that much into it.'" The single Maryland native identifies herself as a woman born physically male. "I don't necessarily know if America or the world is ready for a transgender top model," King tells Us . "But this is who I am. I couldn't control it." See photos of '90s Models: Then ... (link)